Self-service kiosk trainer

Abstract

The present invention provides a method for increasing the use by the public of self-service kiosks. In particular, on or adjacent to a self-service kiosk there is provided the URL of an online trainer or simulator facility that relates directly to the kiosk. This enables users to develop their confidence in such systems without any fear of accidentally causing unwanted outcomes.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 ) A method of training a user of a self-service kiosk, the method comprising the steps of: 
 providing a self-service kiosk for providing a service to a user;    on or adjacent to the self-service kiosk, providing the address of an online training facility; and    providing at said address an online training facility instructing the user in the use of said self-service kiosk.    
     
     
         2 ) The method of training a user of  claim 1  wherein said service to a user requires said user to enter information or make selections relating to the service provided.  
     
     
         3 ) The method of training a user of  claim 2  wherein said information is provided by said user entering information in a predetermined format in one or more fields.  
     
     
         4 ) The method of training a user of  claim 2  wherein said information is provided or selections are made by said user selecting from one or more options as provided by the trainer facility.  
     
     
         5 ) The method of training a user of  claim 1  wherein said address of the online training facility is provided in the form of a removable printed document.  
     
     
         6 ) The method of training a user of  claim 5  wherein said removable printed document is a business card.  
     
     
         7 ) The method of training a user of  claim 5  wherein said removable printed document is printed when required by said self-service kiosk.  
     
     
         8 ) The method of training a user of  claim 2  wherein the online trainer facility instructs a user by the steps of: 
 providing an introduction that outlines the procedure to be followed in order to complete said trainer;  
 simulating the service to the user provided by said self-service kiosk; and  
 providing a guide to entering said information relating to said service to the user provided by said self-service kiosk.  
 
     
     
         9 ) The method of training a user of  claim 8  wherein the guide to entering said information comprises a pointer and a prompt that informs the user as to the correct format and procedure for entering said information.  
     
     
         10 ) The method of training a user of  claim 8  wherein an error message is provided if incorrect information is entered by said user into the simulation.  
     
     
         11 ) The method of training a user of  claim 8  further comprising the step of allowing the user, upon completion of a training session, to access an online address corresponding to an associated simulator.  
     
     
         12 ) The method of training a user of  claim 8  further comprising the step of providing a visual simulation of self-service kiosk peripherals other than a display.  
     
     
         13 ) A method of training a user of a self-service kiosk, the method comprising the steps of: 
 providing a self-service kiosk for providing a service to a user;    on or adjacent to the self-service kiosk, providing the address of an online simulator; and    providing at said address an online simulator simulating the function of said self-service kiosk.    
     
     
         14 ) The method of training a user of  claim 13  wherein said service to a user requires said user to enter information or make selections relating to the services provided.  
     
     
         15 ) The method of training a user of  claim 14  wherein said information is provided by said user entering information in a predetermined format in one or more fields.  
     
     
         16 ) The method of training a user of  claim 14  wherein said information is provided or selections are made by said user selecting from one or more options as provided by the simulator.  
     
     
         17 ) The method of training a user of  claim 13  wherein said address of the online training facility is provided by a removable printed document.  
     
     
         18 ) The method of training a user of  claim 17  wherein said removable printed document is a business card.  
     
     
         19 ) The method of training a user of  claim 17  wherein said removable printed document is a receipt printed when required by said self-service kiosk.  
     
     
         19 ) The method of training a user of  claim 13  further comprising the step of providing a visual simulation of self-service kiosk peripherals other than a display.